Local etiquette in Bali
Bali is Hindu, deeply spiritual and genuinely warm. A little respect for its customs goes a long way — and it’s mostly common sense.
Om swastiastu — a Balinese greeting wishing you well-being. Offerings on the pavement, incense in the air and daily ceremonies are the fabric of the island. You’re a welcome guest in a living culture; travel like one.
At temples & sacred sites
Wear a sarong and sash — usually provided or rented at the gate — with knees and shoulders covered. Never climb on shrines or pose on temple structures, and don't stand higher than a praying priest. By custom, women are asked not to enter temples while menstruating.
Daily offerings (canang sari)
Those little palm-leaf trays of flowers and incense on doorsteps, pavements and shrines are daily offerings. Don't step on them or move them — just walk around. A freshly placed one is a small blessing, not litter.
Dress with respect
Beachwear belongs at the beach. In villages, temples, markets and family compounds, cover up. Slip your shoes off before entering someone's home, and often before a shop or homestay room too.
Mind your gestures
The head is considered sacred — don't pat heads, even children's. Use your right hand to give, receive and eat (the left is traditionally unclean). Don't point with a finger or your feet, and never point your feet at people, shrines or offerings.
Give way to ceremonies
Ceremonies and processions are constant, and they have right of way — pull over, wait, and don't cut through a line of worshippers. Ask before photographing people mid-ceremony, and keep flash and noise down.
Everyday courtesy
A smile and a little language go far — “terima kasih” (thank you) and the Balinese greeting “om swastiastu” both earn a warm response. Bargain good-naturedly at markets (not in fixed-price shops), keep public affection modest, and tip for good service.
The quick do & don’t
Do
- Dress modestly away from the beach
- Give and receive with your right hand
- Step around offerings on the ground
- Give processions the right of way
- Ask before photographing people
- Learn a few words of Indonesian
Don’t
- Touch anyone's head, children included
- Point with a finger or your feet
- Climb on or pose on shrines
- Step on canang sari offerings
- Lose your temper in public
- Go anywhere near drugs (see below)
Good to know
Indonesia’s drug laws are among the world’s strictest, with severe penalties — steer entirely clear. Two smaller heads-ups: temple monkeys at Uluwatu and Ubud will snatch sunglasses, phones and snacks, so hold them tight; and on Nyepi, the Day of Silence, the whole island stays in — plan around it.